Vita Riner graduated from University of Guadalajara with a degree in Administration and Business. She worked as a successful computer broker in Mexico from 1980 to 2001 before immigrating to the United States. In 2004, she started Vita Latina Magazine to inform the Hispanic community about various topics. She has since organized numerous community events in East Texas and Northwest Louisiana, such as Noche de Gala to recognize influential Hispanics, El Día del Niño for Hispanic children, and Hispanic Heritage Day at the State Fair of Louisiana. Riner is involved in various organizations and continues working to serve the Hispanic community.
1. VITA RINER
Education
I graduated from University of Guadalajara, México, with a major in Administration and
Business.
Business Accomplishments
From 1980 through 2001, I worked as a computer broker and immigrated to the United
States in 2002. During this time I was one of the best national sales brokers recognized
for Intel and HP, Acer, Lexmark and many other technology brands.
In 2004, I started a bilingual magazine, Vita Latina Magazine, with the purpose of
informing our Hispanic community on matters such as immigration, military, political,
social and cultural events. In addition, we introduce products or services to our readers
from companies who are interested in doing business with our community. Vita Latina
Magazine has been a successful project in the community. We began in Bossier City
and now we are all over Northwest Louisiana and East Texas (Monroe, Minden, Benton,
Bossier, Shreveport, Waskom, Marshall, Kilgore, Longview, Tyler).
In 2007, Radio Group in Shreveport, bought the rights to Vita Latina Magazine and
made it possible to unify the strength of the magazine with the power of radio. In
December 2011, I ended my job as editor of the magazine so that I could focus in
growing our radio market and developing other projects. At this time, I began a new
position as Sales Manager for the Hispanic Market.
Community Service
I have organized several events for the community in East Texas and Northwest
Louisiana.
The Gala Night: Noche de Gala is a formal event that was created and produced for a
simple purpose: to take one night or one event aside to recognize the individuality and
uniqueness of influential Hispanic individuals in the Northwest Louisiana and East
Texas regions. Noche de Gala gives these individuals the spotlight for at least one
night to let the public know about their influence in the community. Noche de Gala,
which translates into “night of elegance”, is that, and so much more. It is designed with
the intention of giving guests a delightful setting to get to know other local business
owners, political leaders, and many others. During the event, awards are given to
nominated individuals in categories such as most influential Hispanic female business
owner, most active in the community, male/female entrepreneur of the year, etc. These
awards not only give the recipient recognition, but it also gives them the reward of
2. accomplishment and hopefully encourages them to continue their work and/or grow
their business.
So far, Noche de Gala has been a great success. The first Noche the Gala took place in
December, 2007 with about 250 guests. With such great results from the first event, the
second one in 2009 was much larger having over 350 guests. In December, 2011
more than 500 guests witnessed this great event. Noche de Gala, without doubt, is the
night of the opportunities that mark the point of trajectory of the Latin people in this
region.
Kid’s Day: I have organized events focused on Hispanic Kids, “El Día del Niño” a
committed day of fraternity and comprehension for our kids with the idea of generating
activities promoting wealth and the children’s rights.
Hispanic Teacher’s Day: I also organize Hispanic Teacher’s Day. This event is
celebrated for the vast number of teachers arriving from Mexico, Argentina, Colombia,
Spain, and other countries. I like to recognize their effort and participation in this
country. They leave families and friends to come to the United States temporarily to be
influential in the education of our kids.
The Day of the Dead: When the artist ensemble Voces Castellanas started in 2005 I
helped them promote, look for sponsors, and products to support them every year. Day
of the Dead is a symbolic day and I am proud of be part of this celebration.
Hispanic Heritage Day: I have been partnering with The State Fair of Louisiana to
produce a Hispanic Heritage Day at the Fair for many years now. Our most successful
event was on November 7, 2010, where we had approximately 10,000 Hispanics in
attendance. Mariachis, DJ Contest, Cultural Booths & Food and a Low Riders Car Show
in addition to all of attractions that the State Fair offered made this one of the most
successful events in this region for Hispanics.
Mardi Gras: A couple of years ago, I began participating with The Krewe of Centaur to
promote our culture with a colorful float at the Mardi Gras Parade. This gives us the
opportunity to expose Mexican folklore. For 2015, we are planning to do it again.
Memberships
In Mexico, I was involved with several business organizations. In the USA, I have been
on the board of the Philadelphia Center, member of the HBC (Hispanic Business
Council) and I was on the board of BDC (Business Development Connection). I also
was serving on the board of Multicultural Center representing the Hispanic Culture. Also
I am part of the Boys and Girls Club of the Salvation Army as board member and
3. YWCA. Actually I am working with the Sci-Port in the Spanish day as well the Latina
Club.
Recent Project: TV Spanish News and more events in the community with Click Latino!